Three new honorary members were inducted into the inner circle of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association during the organization's 229th annual meeting.
Dr. Denis Onieal, Alan Etter and Chuck Hagee were feted for their contributions to the association.
The theme, "The Friends Among Us," reflected the camaraderie of those who joined together to create the Friendship Fire Company in 1774. The Friendship was the first fire company in Alexandria.
The company has a rich heritage in American history and is the only surviving fire company out of six in Alexandria from the Colonial era.
The membership roster dates back to 1774 and members have added to it ever since.
Friendship Vice President Don Simpson welcomed the three new members.
Onieal is the superintendent of the National Fire Academy and oversees a network of educational institutions ranging from the national campus in Emmitsburg, Md., to state, regional and local fire training schools and academies across the country.
Etter is the public information officer and spokesman for the District of Columbia Fire Department. He is responsible for the flow of information about the D.C. department.
Hagee is a staff reporter for The Alexandria Gazette Packet. He has been a reporter, bureau chief, political writer and theater critic prior to moving to Alexandria in 1979. He has served as a judge advocate general in the Army, has been an elected councilman and executive director of the National Court Reporters Association, and is founder, president and CEO of an association management firm serving nonprofit trade and professional organizations.
Hagee has focused on public safety issues and has highlighted the Friendship Firehouse Festival each summer.